As we have in recent years, I’ve created a new thread for the actual draft. This way, I can update the original post with all Cubs picks and in the ensuing month, also update with all signings and bonuses. The draft starts today at 6 p.m. CT with the first two rounds and supplemental picks (the Cubs first 4 picks). Tomorrow, we’ll get rounds 3 – 10, starting at 11:30 a.m. CT. Wednesday, we have rounds 11-40, starting at 11 a.m. CT.

A three-year starter at Stanford, Hoerner played second during his freshman year. He's moved over to the left side of the infield to play short the last two seasons, raising his profile in the process. A strong Cape Cod League with the bat has carried over to solid performance on a top-rated team this spring, increasing his Draft stock in the process. Hoerner has a pretty good track record of performing well for an extended period of time, perhaps saving his best year for the right time in terms of the Draft. He can impact the baseball consistently, with an advanced approach at the plate, and while the numbers don't necessarily reflect it, there is some power for him to tap into. Hoerner runs fairly well, though he isn't overly fluid in his actions. That leads to some questions about his ability to stay at shortstop, with some seeing a return to second base in his future. College hitters who perform typically move up boards as the Draft approaches, and that's exactly what has happened with Hoerner. He's like a slightly less fluid version of Ian Kinsler, with the potential to be an offensive-minded second baseman at the highest level.

There are Draft prospects who are polished and show now tools, then there are ones who scouts have to dream on, projecting what tremendous raw tools might become. Davis, a one-time two-sport athlete, fits into the latter category with a high ceiling, but a long way to get there. A former basketball standout who was the Arizona 6A Defensive Player of the Year as a junior, Davis gave up the sport to focus on baseball. The result has been a better swing than had been seen previously and a body that's starting to transform because he's had time to spend in the weight room. There is still a crudeness to his offensive game, but there are flashes of the ability to hit for average and with power to come as he continues to add strength to his long, lanky frame. Right now, he has to sell out for that power and has instead focused on improving contact. A 70 runner normally, Davis dealt with a hamstring issue that slowed him some this spring, but that plus speed should allow him to steal bases and cover a ton of ground in center field, where he has a very strong arm. Davis will be a project for any team that tries to sign him away from his Miami commitment. But teams that love raw tools may look off into the future and see an Adam Jones or Lewis Brinson type if it all comes together.

As a sophomore at the University of San Diego, Richan began as a reliever, but gained confidence when given the chance to move into the rotation. He's been a weekend starter all year and while he's had some up-and-down results, he's far outperformed fellow Draft prospect Nick Sprengel. Richan has missed a ton of bats this spring, while walking very few, thanks to a solid four-pitch mix. He'll throw his fastball up to 94 mph consistently, complementing it with a pair of breaking balls. His slider will show flashes of being above-average and he'll fold in a fringy curve as well. His changeup continues to develop and could eventually be average when all is said and done. While he has a high strikeout rate, he's also been fairly hittable. Richan is more floor than ceiling, though he does have a solid delivery and a good 6-foot-3 pitcher's frame. His upside is as a No. 4 or 5 starter, one who could come off the board in the top six rounds, which would make him the first San Diego pitcher to be taken that early since David Hill was a fourth-round pick of the Rockies in 2015.

Herron has good speed, but the outfielder will need Tommy John surgery on his arm. He had a standout performance in the Cape Cod League last season (.338/.443/.481 with 10 doubles and four home runs in 42 games for the Orleans Firebirds). He shows potential at the plate, but the pop in his bat is a question mark.

A three-year starter at Liberty, Artis has probably had his worst season, statistically, in this, his junior season. But the speedy outfielder has shown enough where teams that covet college performers will still have interest in the top five rounds It's not that Artis, a two-time Cape Cod League player, has been bad this spring; it's just that he set the bar high by winning the Big South Conference's Freshman of the Year in 2016 and then Player of the Year in 2017. He's proven he can really hit, albeit from an unorthodox crouch from the left side of the plate. There is some raw power, but he doesn't tap into it consistently, focusing on line-drive contact and drawing a lot more walks than strikeouts. He's a plus runner who can handle center field with below-average arm strength, one who could one day hit near the top of a big league lineup. Even in his "down year," Artis has gotten on base at an impressive clip and stolen bases. That skill set, not to mention his track record, has kept him fairly high on Draft boards.

I'd be fine with Kowar or Gilbert. I'd take a shot on McClanahan, if he fell to us too.

But, I fully expect a High School hitter.

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Additional rule: you have to have one or the other.The only exception is you have an amazing board name. davell, I'm looking at you; put up a [expletive] avatar or something if your name only sounds like somebody tried say Dave as they lapsed into a coma.

FG just did a last minute draft(43 picks) and had Cubs with Steele Walker. Gotta admit, that would be fairly deflating to me. Even if I suspect he winds up a solid player.

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Additional rule: you have to have one or the other.The only exception is you have an amazing board name. davell, I'm looking at you; put up a [expletive] avatar or something if your name only sounds like somebody tried say Dave as they lapsed into a coma.

The interview asking Bohm which NL East stud pitcher he wants to take deep first was cringe worthy. If they want to grow this, they've got so much work to do......

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Additional rule: you have to have one or the other.The only exception is you have an amazing board name. davell, I'm looking at you; put up a [expletive] avatar or something if your name only sounds like somebody tried say Dave as they lapsed into a coma.